On the crisp morning of November 8, 1944, urgent reports crackle through the radios at Achmer Airfield: a massive Allied bomber formation approaches. The base erupts into frenzied activity. The Luftwaffe's highest-scoring ace, Walter Nowotny, rushes to his Messerschmitt Me 262. In his haste, he leaves behind the lucky trousers that have accompanied him through over 250 victories.

Nowotny straps himself into the cockpit of the revolutionary jet fighter. Its sleek form starkly contrasts the propeller-driven aircraft dotting the tarmac. But as the pilot flips switches and dials, the Me 262's turbines refuse to start.

Precious minutes slip away. Ground crew swarm the aircraft, working frantically to bring the engines to life. In the distance, the sound of combat grows louder - Nowotny's wingmen are already engaged, facing overwhelming odds.

Finally, with a roar, the turbines ignite. Nowotny takes off, pushing his jet to its limits. He climbs rapidly, alone, racing to join the fray. His radio confirms two swift victories - a B-24 Liberator and a P-51 Mustang have fallen to his guns. For a moment, it seems the ace's luck has turned.
Suddenly, a chilling transmission cuts through the airwaves. The radio operator at the airfield hears Nowotny's voice: [QUOTE] "I'm on fire"...



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